So I have my first official photography job today. Its just a renewal of vows of a friend’s parents, so its not an extreme job, but its still big to me. I have everything ready… both batteries fully charged, extra memory card ready, lens’ cleaned, camera cleaned, both tri-pod’s ready (not sure I’ll actually need either one but just in case).
Any last minute pointers from the Shift518 pros?
Also, what do you guys recommend for editing. Right now I have PS elements but when I got my new computer I can’t seem to find my product key so i may have to buy a new program. Any recommendations?
i use CS3 i used elements at first to learn the basics … it will do … you probably wont even use one battery or mem card but its always good to have … last wedding i did i only used half my battery and one 4gig card … tripods are great for making sure everything is proportional but i rarely use one for ppl pix … the hardest thing to learn is creativity … this is a must for you and your clients … the first 10-15 mins your subjects might seem very edgy and stiff … get them relaxed … talk to them about something or get them talking … the best pictures are when your subject is comfortable and natural … posing is great but make sure its comfortable … also watch sunlight if you are outside … make sure that you dont have half their faces light and the other half dark … but at the same time you have to keep them from squinting while facing the sun … if you have a flash the best way to use it is off camera so you dont get that “deer in the headlights” look … last bit of advice is make sure you know your gear … if you have a lens that you dont particularly use much dont make this the time to try it out … all lenses have a learning curve, some more than others so make sure you are comfortable and have fun most of all!
Very good advice right there!
To touch on what Dan said; go out of your way to make the subjects comfortable. If you know them, then it will be easy. I find the best way to get someone comfortable is to make them laugh or compliment them.
Yea, it was a lot more informal than I expected. If anything I think I was the one who needed to relax a bit… lol. I was nervous as hell at first but I loosened up and got quite a few really nice pics. now comes the fun part… editing… lol. I’ll probably stick with elements for now because I don’t do enough photography to justify the cost of CS3 (although I would love to have it… lol).
Down side is I found my elements disc but I think I may have lost/thrown out the case with the product key during the move. So unless someone has a product key I can “borrow” I’ll be buying the latest version.
Windows. I ended up going out because I want to start editing and I was going to pick up CS3. however when I found out the price I said screw that and picked up the Corel version… I’ve heard great things about it. But if you still happen to have a key I’ll gladly take it… wouldn’t mind a backup editing software.
I will eventually get CS3/4 but I just couldn’t justify the price with how little I actually use it. Maybe if/when I really get more into the photography I’ll pick it up, but these will do for now.
Listen to Dan…I don’t know shit about people photos lol
Well maybe its just me, but I already hate the Corel. It seems like my elements was much more user friendly and easier to navigate. So if anyone has a product key I would GREATLY appreciate it. I have both elements 7 and 8. Need something asap b/c I have over 325 photos to start editing…
Edit: I found a key for 7… but anyone have anything for 8???